Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

As I outlined in the primary answer, we are indeed working on a range of additional facilities, alongside the expansion we created in Howard Springs. We are fully funding the development of those facilities under memoranda of understanding that we have entered into with the relevant states. Those memoranda of understanding have the states operating those facilities, consistent with the operational capabilities they have delivered throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for the purposes of providing quarantine.

I would stress that, whilst there are new variants, we do need to all show responsibility in how we discuss those new variants. For example, Professor Lewin from the Doherty institute this morning made clear that it is highly likely that the vaccines will still work, that we're quite confident that the vaccines will still work. Whilst we are pausing some steps to get further advice and information, we ought to make sure that we maintain the confidence of Australians in this regard. (Time expired)